Horsemint is a 12- to 18-inch-tall, upright, herbaceous perennial that has long been used by Native Americans to make a “sweating tea”. Horsemint produces fragrant, beautiful pink flowers which are held above the foliage in the summer and fall. It is native to moist, coastal upland sites in Florida.
Special Value to Native Bees (Recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting large numbers of native bees.)
Special Value to Bumble Bees
Special Value to Honey Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control (A plant that attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects.)
TIP: You can trim the tops of the plants during early summer if you’d like to encourage a bushier growth form and keep their height in check.
Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay Drought tolerance: moderate Plant spacing: 24 to 36 inches
Use and Management
This herbaceous perennial may be used in the landscape as a summer ground cover in a small garden. It also presents a nice massed display in a perennial border.
Horsemint should be grown in full sun on a well-drained sandy soil with some moisture retentive capability. Provide occasional irrigation in drought if soil drains excessively. It is tolerant to some drought and is generally unscathed by freezing temperatures in Florida.
Propagate Monarda punctata by division or from seed.
Pests and Diseases
The plant is tolerant of pests and diseases.
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